Flapping calmly through lockdown: Fledglings April 2020. Welcome to the Keep Calm Corner!

[LaneBoy]

Hello all!

Thank you for joining us, please note if we seem cliquey it’s only because it’s a long running thread - everyone really is welcome!

Welcome to (probably) the most bizarre Flylady thread yet... in which we are attempting to impose/maintain some kind of order in our homes, while also many of us are adjusting to working from home and homeschooling the kids for the first time too! Not to mention the anxiety around health and accessing food!

Of course, normally the opening post would talk about banishing CHAOS - Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome - but now we aren’t allowed anyone over anyway :o so, let’s just try and make our homes nicer FOR US. We are spending more time than ever in them, so let’s make them really wonderful places to be, our own safe little nests for our families.

Flylady routines might just help us get through this crazy time, by giving us a little structure to work from when all else is unpredictable - but as usual there is no right or wrong here. All of us follow it only to the extent it helps us - we can take ideas and make them work for us. And the key principle is, YOU ARE NEVER BEHIND. I feel like that is even more evident now, with so many of these outside pressures and commitments suddenly gone, and frankly the days rolling into one!

This is potentially a great time to declutter. Of course, Flylady suggests 15 minutes a day - but perhaps in these unprecedented times we will all do more! But we are all busy getting into our own routines now that school is out, and work too for many, and we’ve lost a lot of the outside structure to our lives. There’s no right or wrong here, we just have to try and adapt.

Links wise, I’ll just post the launch pad, and will add reminders about zones too. If anyone has Flying questions, please ask!

The Keep Calm Corner
The lovely SC came up with the brilliant idea of the Keep Calm Corner last month - this is a daily post with things to make us happy! I figured each monthly host can make this their own, and I’m a little worried my taste in art and music would not be calming to most :o so for this month, the KCC will consist of:
Some memes - either funny (we all need a laugh! Warning though - some will likely be unsavoury :o) or thought provoking/relaxation based. Do PM me (here or FB) if you have any you want to add!
A daily “ice breaker” type question - obviously answering these is entirely optional, and don’t say anything that will out you, but if you want to join in and create some extra conversations on the thread then treatment, we can all get to know each other better! Again, if you think of any questions please PM!

Thank you for settling in, and of course thank you to SC for making March such a lovely thread. And lastly, a huge thank you also to our key worker Fledglings, who are doing an incredible job of keeping things running!

Cineraria I’d probably keep the “clean” recycling for now, useful for junk modelling? Also you mentioning that lacing card thing has inspired me to try making some for Cagletini! Not sure where the hole punch is but we can improvise, we already have thick laces somewhere too.

We3 hope you enjoy coming down to a tidier room this morning, well done! One of the things I was explaining to the psychiatrist (to show how well the meds are working) was the whole future friend idea, although I stopped short at mentioning the name! She was impressed though. It’s weird that I have no reason to do it now, so I need to adapt it - I’ve not worn earrings for days for example so I should make more effort, and focus more on the house side of it since I don’t need to pack bags and choose activity-suitable outfits.

word of the day - suddle means filthy or dirty

bower* poor kitty.wishing you well today my lovely whichever way things go

Willow we use ground with D's.i find sense smell is predominant (he has synthastesia(sp?))and sometimes we can draw him back with smell of rosemary to resurrect enough his logical brain to work at breathing etc

Lane/willow we do 7/11 breathing- in for 7,pause out for 11(can do 5/9 if unable do it that long and slow) try NOT blow out a candle(just flickering flames) is good visual slow breath control exercise.we also use hot chocolate visualisation.insgine cup and what looks like imagine hold it and feel warmth.whats it pimped with?(cream,flake,toffeesauce,marshmsllows etc)then slow breaths to cool it enough to drink

Last book I read the gut doctor.last fiction was flowers in the attic books.not my usual genre,but I enjoyed the change tbh.prior to that was crimson petal and the white
I enjoyed the Rosie effect,and book about Henrietta lack.like music bit eclectic DEP on mood.at one time I exclusively read Jilly cooper

Tada cont
Wash in drier,more in
Walked younger zoolets 40 minutes over nature reserve briskly
Breakfast for littlies
Wash up and wipe down
Get lil zoo /D's set up for schooling
Dd2 now up so go fix her something

To do
Clean and shine sink taps(kitchen and bathroom)
Shine sink

Need do some recipe sorting today and hoping get crochet in as fell asleep and didn't bother last night!

X posts agree with KT and ask wellies outside lane then clean them once home

Bower so sorry for your cat, hope your DD is ok.

I'm reading Out of the Silent Planet by C S Lewis. It's the first book in a science fiction trilogy. I'm enjoying it in small doses, its quote philosophical at times.

I didn't get the sleep last night. Couldn't drop off till after 1, and then DD was up and wanted a cuddle. So today will be trying to not to do too much in fact I'm not even dressed yet.

To-do
⚠️ Get dressed and ready for the day
⚠️ lol
⚠️ Tidy out handbag - that does actually need doing
⚠️ clean mirrors and windows in the dining room
⚠️ Take DD to the park
⚠️ Hopefully a lot of telly watching whilst drinking hot chocolate. Could really fancy a binge watch of the Hairy Bikers or DIY Escape to the Chateau
⚠️ Chicken nuggets and chips for tea
⚠️ Put DD to bed
⚠️ Watch a film - I've made a list of all the DVDs that we own that I've either never watched or haven't seen in ages. My new years resolution was to use and appreciate more of the things I already own, instead of buying more. Turned out to be very appropriate for 2020!

Thanks I’ll email them I think. Too nervous to phone in case they’re stressed and (understandably) grumpy! Must remember to put her actual name and not Cagletini 😳

So sorry about DD’s cat bower :(

Bower I'm so sorry to hear about your dd's cat , poor thing.

lane that image of what we really think in a message is so true 😜. I'm really enjoying your memes and images.

Tada
Sink taps scrub and shined(bath and kitchen)
Kitchen sink and drainer scrub and shined
Soda crystals and hot water with hint zoflora linen down plugholes

Three rows dd2.shes clearly tired and very grumpy today.included have been yelling over not wanting anything but bread lasings of butter for lunch whilst complaining clothes getting tight,yelling about requests stop piddling around on phone and do something constructive FOR TWO HOURS,storming upstairs because "I'm being so vile and mean to her"
It's going to be a very very looooong day I feel

To do-
Instagram saved recipe sorting/writing into books
Crochet

And of course feeding zoolets and clear up after said feeding times!

Suns try peep out.mah drag dd2 out for a stroll see fresh air brightens her mood(doubtful)

Well I went down expecting the worst to find the cat up and looking at me as if to say "About Time!" She wasn't very pleased about not getting her breakfast and she walked through without bumping into anything. Her eyes seem slightly better. Been to vets and we still have her. Bloods taken and she has lost more weight. Her ear had quite a bit of wax in it so they flushed that out. Bloods back tomorrow so fingers crossed that there is something they can do about it. She wolfed her food done when she got back having gone more than 12 hrs without(vet) She said her heart beat was fast I thought I bet mine is too. She doesn't like going in the car or going to the vets even though they have fallen for her.

Needless to say I haven't done anything bar squirting Method.
S&S
Van Man had no gloves on came in our gate and then opened our kitchen door as I was putting the towels in the WM. Grr! I had to go out and spray everything. Not easy to spray a wrought iron gate. I have put a cloth with Method in the wall. I might make a sign everyone else has used the front door which DH may have found blown open the other morning whoops.There is a table where it shouldn't be so difficult if they tried to get in.
Having a coffee and trying to relax.

Lane Ment to say what fantastic dolls they are. I used to go to Miniatura in Glasgow went about three times as I had a dolls which I loved as a 7 yr old when we lived in Windsor. I once went to a Toy Museum I think it was in Cockermouth with BF and the boys cant remember how many we took somewhere between 2 and 6 and found a Dolls House just like mine. It even had the garden planted out like I did as you could get little flower beds and push roses and other plants and trees into it. I can't remember what they were called.

I would ring Nursery and ask them to put them out but not take Cagletini as she might be upset if she couldn't go in.
Goodness yes you are right I have been here since you were pregnant with Cagletini.

Zoo I am loving the word a day. Suddle I just love that. Dunderhead I knew because my dad used to say that to us sometimes but I had forgotten all about it until you put it on here. So keep them coming also useful for crosswords.
I was going to add other people in but DS3 rang for quite a chat. He gave us an update about the coop near him. They are only letting 5 people in at a time so that is great to know as it is only 10 mins away in the car.

Not sure who it was that has retired but I am veering on that and DH retired in September and went back for one trip to train someone. He has also been "working from home" as they get stuck and he talks them through it on the phone.

I read a smidgeon many books via Kindle, it might have been Atomic Habits, very good for the Flylady system as it's about how small habits really add up over time. Also just bought/downloaded a very old book that I remember reading from childhood, one of the Abbey Girls series. Have loads of physical books and have thought I should be ploughing through them over the next couple of weeks!

Only did about half an hour of the hour's ballet class online this morning, which was fun. Don't know if it's available to watch afterwards, I may have trouble walking tomorrow though! Loved it, even funnier with dogs and children wandering around in the background of the dancer's homes and gardens! I'm going to try and take full advantage of some of the extra stuff offered online as there are some fabulous things out there for free! Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat with Donny Osmond is available from 7.00pm tonight - living my best lockdown!

DD now doing a ton of work as she wants to hand it in today, despite the work clearing stating that you don't need to do it all at once

Bower do you think the earwax might have been affecting her balance?

Ignore the sanctimonious, judgy and doom-mongering people Lane, online ordering is still available! Not all businesses have closed down by any means, and people still need to earn money and keep their businesses running. Especially if there is a lack of transport, just get them delivered to your door - so much easier.

Maybe but her eyes look odd too.

Zoo Do you think you should let DD watch the % film today? Don't want her getting any ideas! off to watch it with a mug of tea and the cat and paper and pen for menu planning and shopping list.Our butcher is doing click and collect trial.

bower hope kitty continues to improve
Chic where are you watching Joseph/ballet and is it free??
Lane I forgot to add how amazing dolls were and willow I eagerly await you sewing pictures❤️

Everyone's had lunch(partbake bread,cucumber and carrots.veggie sausage for dd2,tuna everyone else,crisps.dd2 angry I gave her more than Just bread and butter but she's eaten sausage,most lettuce and one piece cucumber.i calling it a huge win.shes resentful

Lil zoo completed all today's work tasks ,so now sat with friend who now finished maths on facetime chatting,dd2 scowling and scrolling phone on sofa,D's ps upstairs having written some more his story and email to outreach teacher who was really positive with him over it.i like her very very much!he's agitated and tired now as has sat working 2hiurs,a personal best.so proud of him❤️❤️

Had our daily safeguarding call from roll school

Pm plan
Watch film on 5 with D's and dd2 guessing plot/critique acting and script
Poss do some recipe sorting

Will need do little clearing up front room later

For ALW - show on YouTube for 48 hours from 7.00pm tonight. Different show every week.

www.youtube.com/theshowsmustgoon

The ballet class - it was live this morning, not sure if it is available as a reply but it is online here

www.bbc.co.uk/events/ebfz3d/live/c8x38g?fbclid=IwAR3InGPl5wBMFbzJ6YiBc31Jzwx6w5X3sEIvuJPd7cwCtN6qzBQTofBabk4

DD still attempting to finish every bit of work leaving only one over the Easter holidays, bless her! She's worked so hard over the last two weeks.

Just checking in with you all! Haven't kept up very well sorry!

Hope everyone is keeping well

giveme how old are your boys? They look fun

I'm reaching wine o'clock.

😳🙄bit early for me have you had a hard day? It does say 5o’clock in the summerhouse( it always says 5o’clock it stuck- info for newbies) are you in my summerhouse Lisette?

Cat is washing her face I love watching her do that. Eyes still very large pupils but more iris showing than last night. I do hope she can be helped. She is such a sweet little cat and DD was delighted to see her on skype last time. She absolutely loves her to bits.

Meal plan and list done.
Now making a cake. The table isn’t big enough( it is ) so he has put lots and lots of pieces outside my baking cupboard I have the marg and sugar mixed added some orange and lemon zest and about to add the eggs. I can’t get to the flour. I told him yesterday and he did something similar. It also means I can’t use the Kenwood and it hurst my wrist. Not going to upset him though as he has been quite and well behaved for two days. Apart from telling me you can’t keep a blind cat alive to which I answered well the vet used to have one. We had two vets in the village one passed away recently and it was him that had a old cat with dementia and partially blind.
Giveme What fun those boys look like they are having.

Lisette we have run out of wine however I've been busy decluttering small bottles of gin I got for Xmas, only slight problem is I ran out of tonic too, found some lemonade though

We've had a fairly lazy day, haven't gone out for daily exercise even! We did do Joe Wicks this morning and the kids have done obstacle courses in the garden. This afternoon we've watched two films back to back, Lego batman and now nut job 2. I have to get up and make dinner now, veggie chilli with potato wedges tonight. I'm hungry! 😋

Hiya foxes
Awww give your boys are so gorgeous! Love the cheeky smiles!

Fluff I am really grateful for the opportunity to try and use up what we have too! Decluttered loads when we moved but we also have loads of stuff left that we’ve not used because we just... don’t! We also have loads of unplayed board/card games (this is known as the Shelf of Shame on board game groups) and TBH I need to declutter some less played ones anyway. One of the big local charities DH works with may take some for their hostel and take others for the psychiatric hospital.

Bower I’ve been dragged to Miniatura :o I used to go to a lot of doll related things - craft fairs, exhibitions etc. To be fair though when we went to it at the NEC, Dad did take me to Crufts as it was on at the same time! I was dog mad then, and loved the “discover dogs” section where I could play with all sorts of breeds.

Zoo I loved the Rosie project/effect books! Apparently there’s a third?! I also read flowers in the attic a few years back but not read the rest.

Feel a bit blah still, currently sitting on the stairs faffing on my phone, but physically definitely improving daily so that’s good. Hoping by the time my evil bastard uterus is done for the month I’ll be back on track mentally as well as physically!

DH has cracked on with laundry, helped DD1 with a bit of work, and yesterday cleaned the bathroom so much it looked like a different room 😳⭐️

I don’t miss that feeling and monthly pain at all. The best thing about getting old.
I would love to go to Crufts DH wasn’t too happy when I watched it.

Foxes DH might have order a box🙀 I can’t drink gin because I have given it up for Lent I have found it more difficult. Come Easter Sunday I will be having copious amounts of gin and chocolate and raise my glass to my cousin whose birthday is just after mine.🍸🍫

Lane love the Shelf of Shame.😂

Ok, today has been a JFDI sort of day. By 11am I had
☑️ rotated DW and put it on again
☑️ Lol
☑️ S&S
☑️ Stewed gooseberries and pushed them through a sieve
☑️ Made broccoli and stilton soup
☑️ Baked another apple and mincemeat cake and got it out of the oven
☑️ Helped DS3 file his schoolwork and tidy his desk
☑️ Reviewed the notes / homework on Inter High and written a very short to do list

At 11am I went to Tesco. About 20 mins queueing, then as brisk and efficient a shop as I could manage, hopefully to feed us for 10-12 days. Got home at 1pm

☑️ Disinfected shopping and me, made lunch, sat still for a bit
☑️ Put shopping away
☑️ Made gooseberry and elderflower ice cream
☑️ Hung the washing out
☑️ Failed to sit on the back steps because the dog went berserk every time bum hit flagstone!
☑️ Spent an hour helping DS3 with his humanities project (mostly talking him down off the parapet). We have now reached an agreement whereby he dictates and I type.
☑️ Collapsed in heap.

DS1 has finally unpacked, opened his curtains, changed his bed and had a wash! I didn't think it was ever going to happen! 🤣🤣

In 10 minutes, he and I are going to cook pies for tea, which will force me to open the prosecco to celebrate getting to Friday and the end of term in one piece!

Happy Friday night, everyone!